What are the minimum requirements for Admission?

Official Transcripts and Degree Certifications from all institutions attended

General Exam (GRE) Rest Results: 40th percentile minimum score

GPA 3.0 or higher for the terms that include your last 60 semester or 90 quarter credits

What are the language requirements for foreign students?

If you have citizenship in the United States, Canada (except Quebec), United Kingdom, New Zealand or Australia and English is your native language, you will not be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency. If you have an undergraduate degree, with attendance of at least two years, from an institution in one of these countries in which English is the language of instruction (United States, Canada (except Quebec), United Kingdom, New Zealand or Australia), you will not be required to provide additional evidence of English proficiency. International applicants who do not meet this criteria must take one of the following tests.

How do I submit my application?

Online applications are submitted through applynow.usu.edu. First, create an account and electronically submit all needed documentation. Letters of recommendation are submitted to the recommender electronically from the applicant. Transcripts can be sent electronically from your institution to Utah State University by requesting your institution to send them to graduateschool@usu.edu.

All materials do not have to be submitted at the same time. When the application fee is paid the application is submitted to the School of Graduate Studies and will be processed. The department Graduate Program Coordinator will also be notified that your application is ready for review. The department will review applications as they are referred to the department.

When is my application due?

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry will begin reviewing applications on December 15, 2018. We will consider applications submitted after that date until all available positions are filled. If you would like to get updates on your application, please contact Cindy Weatbrook at cindy.weatbrook@usu.edu or 435-797-1618.

Where can I find more information about the graduate programs in Chemistry & Biochemistry at Utah State University?

Degree Requirements

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers MS and Ph.D. programs in chemistry and biochemistry. Both the MS and Ph.D. programs require the completion of an original research project and the presentation and defense of a thesis (dissertation). The MS degree is not a prerequisite for the Ph.D. The graduate program of study is divided into the areas of biochemistry, analytical, physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry. An active seminar program is viewed as an essential component of the graduate educational process and provides many opportunities for feedback and cross-fertilization of ideas from different areas. Each year faculty members present an overview of their research programs and highlight their latest discoveries. Students participate each year by presenting either literature discussions or seminars on their individual research projects. In addition, a number of national and international scientists from both academia and industry present talks during the year.

During the first semester of study, students discuss potential research projects with several professors and then select three research laboratories to rotate through for about one month. When rotations are complete, students decide which research group they would like to join. A supervisory committee, is selected by the student and approved by the department head during the third quarter of residence. The committee provides assistance in establishing the student's detailed course of study, evaluating his or her progress towards a degree, and lending additional assistance and direction as needed.